Carers Top Poll Of Most Unappreciated Jobs As Care Home Providers Warn Of Shortfall
· A new survey reveals that the majority of people (75%) think care workers are most deserving of more appreciation
· Other underappreciated jobs include cleaners (59%), waste collectors (56%) and teachers (49%)
· Premiership footballers topped the poll for the most overvalued job (83%) closely followed by reality TV stars (80%) hip hop artists (51%) and city traders (49%)
· The findings come as a leading care provider warns of an alarming shortfall of care workers and urges a change in attitudes towards carers, as they look to fill more than 2000 job vacancies in England
New research reveals 75% of people believe those working in care don’t receive the status or praise they are due. The YouGov research was commissioned by Anchor, the not-for-profit housing and care provider, and comes as the charity urges a change in attitudes towards carers, as they look to fill more than 2000 job vacancies in England in the next 12 months.
Professional footballers were named by 83% of people as the job most overvalued in society, closely followed by reality TV stars (80%) and hip hop artists (51%). And 39% believe politicians receive greater status than they deserve.
The research comes as care providers warn that a shortfall in carers is expected to reach 718,000 by 2025[i] as people live longer and require more support to live life to the full in older age. Anchor is encouraging people to challenge the negative perceptions of a career in care by finding out about range of opportunities available in the sector as care homes throw open their doors for Care Home Open Day.
With thousands of new jobs on offer, Jane Ashcroft CBE, CEO of Anchor believes it’s time to challenge out-dated attitudes towards care workers. “Perceptions about what a career in care entails are out of date and it’s time that changes. The breadth of different roles in care is huge; it’s time to throw the stereotypes out. Care is a very rewarding job where you can make a hugely positive impact on the lives of older people, and develop a long term career.
“The overwhelming majority of carers are hard-working, skilled, and committed. At a time when more and more of us will need support in later life, we should celebrate that.
The YouGov poll also reveals that care hits the mark when it comes to the things most of us want from a fulfilling career. The majority of people (60%) said a good work/life balance was most important to them. Working with a good team was chosen by 54% of people, followed by having a challenging and varied role (47%), and flexible working (42%).
Liam Fleming, 26, started his career as an Activity Coordinator in one of Anchor’s care homes in London and has since been promoted to a manager of a retirement housing property. “I get the opportunity to be really creative and find the right activity for our residents. I know them personally and have the freedom to organise activities that bring a smile to their faces. It’s a good career and you will make really great bonds with people and learn so much. If you have the right attitude and you have empathy, it really opens up opportunities for you.”
To find out more about the variety of jobs available with Anchor – which include roles as care workers, activity co-ordinators, chefs and care home managers, visit www.anchor.org.uk/careers.